An old-school reporter for the Washington Post, Walter Pincus, has some worthy thoughts on the question. It will, or should, get some traction in the world of newspapers. Among other things, he says too many newspapers are cranking out big series aimed at prizes while forgetting the nitty gritty beat reporting that readers need and want. I happen to agree with this viewpoint, though I can’t say for sure that more city hall and county courthouse reporters would have stanched the outflow of readers to TV and Internet in the new age.

He also laments the lack of newspaper agendas and distinct voices, given way to an enforced neutrality “as if they were refereeing a game.” His is a full-throated call for an activist press. Good stuff.

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